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Board hears lobbyist request on Laurel Pipeline extension, opts to table resolution
Summary
Members debated a request to adopt a resolution in support of a bidirectional Laurel Pipeline extension; concerns about political exposure, a pending PUC docket, federal jurisdiction, and potential impacts on Western Pennsylvania prices led the board to table the request for more information.
The Chair introduced a request from a lobbyist group asking the board to consider a resolution in support of a bidirectional extension of the Laurel Pipeline, saying the request was circulated by email and that it could create an opportunity to buy cheaper gas for parts of Pennsylvania. The Chair explained that "Fittman's office has oversight of this" and that the request sought municipal input to be attached to state filings.
Committee members debated whether the municipality should take a position. One member said he was hesitant to involve the board because the matter is "a very political thing" and noted ongoing proceedings at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and potential federal jurisdiction. A member raised a substantive concern that the proposal "could actually cause our gas prices to go up in Western PA". After discussion, a motion was made to table the request so members could gather additional information and locate opposing viewpoints; the motion passed by voice vote.
